The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, said the service has deactivated authorised dealer banks over failure to meet Service-Level Agreement (SLAs) on Customs duty and statutory charges remittances.
Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement made available to SHIPS & PORTS on Thursday.
He said the decision to deactivate some authorised banks comes with a thorough audit and due process aligning with the NCS’ commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection.
The statement reads: “The primary objective is to ensure the accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other essential funds for national development. Despite the deactivation of these banks, the Comptroller-General has implemented measures to minimise disruptions for importers and stakeholders within the trading ecosystem. He assures the trading community that all pending assessments will undergo clearance processes in line with international best practices.
“Importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks for duty payments are advised to utilise other Authorised Dealer Banks that comply with NCS regulations. Stakeholders encountering challenges with a particular bank are encouraged to use alternatives that function appropriately.
“The deactivated banks will have the opportunity to be reactivated once they meet all regulatory requirements and settle outstanding remittances. Collaborative efforts with financial regulators and stakeholders are underway to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the Customs duty collection system.
“The NCS places a priority on trade facilitation, putting stakeholders and Nigerian citizens first, even in the face of non-compliance by some Authorised Dealer Banks. This action underscores the NCS’ commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent customs revenue collection process.”